Asisat Oshoala joins list of iconic jersey removal celebrations after Nigeria triumph

The five-time Africa Player of the Year raced to the touchline as she took off her jersey, pure emotion and joy written all over her face. She became the first African to score at three different World Cups.

Removing a shirt remains an offense according to the laws of the game, as it earns one a booking. It is, however, not as common in the women’s game, but at times you cannot blame one for failing to control her emotions.

However, her celebration is not well received by a sect of Nigerian fans whose beliefs and culture reprimand women from exposing their bodies.

With Oshoala’s celebration causing an uproar on social media, we take a look at five female footballers who have done the same celebration making it iconic.

• Brandi Chastain 1999 World Cup Final:

The first to do it was Brandi Chastain, a former American female football player, pulled off her jersey after scoring the winning penalty to gift the USA its second World Cup title at the 1999 World Cup final between the United States of America and China at the Rose Bowl Stadium.

The American missed a penalty during the game but later made up for it by giving fans a memorable celebration.

• Valentina Giacinti 2021 Milan Derby:

Italian forward Valentina Giacinti who plays for AC Milan found the back of the net four times in a clash against their bitter cross-town rivals, Inter Milan, in 2021, and channeled her inner Brandi’s spirit.

The celebration drew both applause and criticism from fans, and she later apologized to her fans.

• Sam Kerr 2022 FAWSL:

Although, the Australia star is yet to get her 2023 World Cup campaign going due to a calf injury.

The Chelsea star recreated Chastain’s moment after she scored a late goal against Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League in 2022, which was important to stay in control of the WSL title race ahead of their London rivals, Arsenal.

• Chloe Kelly 2022 WEURO Final:

The English International, who plays for Manchester City Women celebrated her winning goal against Germany in the 2022 Euro Championship Finals.

Kelly, whipped her shirt off, remaining with her sports bra, and dangled the shirt over her head as her teammates joined her in celebrations.

• Asisat Oshoala 2023 World Cup:

The latest entrant to the list is none other than FC Barcelona star and Pichichi winner who scored the winner against co-hosts in front of a packed stadium.

She showed off her sports bra while celebrating by ripping off her jersey, a move that has since been criticized by many.